Cajun Meatball Stew: The Ultimate Comfort Food!

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cajun seasoning

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: creole seasoning

Homemade blends can be lower in sodium.

okra

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: green beans

Zucchini provides a similar texture, while green beans are often less costly.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth reduces sodium and calories.

Start by mixing 1.5 pounds of ground beef with 1 beaten egg, 1/3 cup of Italian bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup of milk, 1-2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh oregano, and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic.

Form the mixture into meatballs, keeping them relatively the same size.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes to release some fat.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare a roux using 4 tablespoons of frozen roux or jarred roux and some oil in a pan.

Add one medium-sized onion to the pan and cook until softened and translucent.

Add the roux to the softened onions and mix until melted.

Pour in a bit of the 3 cups of beef broth to mix with the roux.

Once the meatballs are done, place them in the pot with the roux and onions.

Add 6 quartered small red potatoes and 1/2 chopped green bell pepper on top of the meatballs.

Add canned carrots (amount not specified) to the pot.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of cayenne and garlic Tabasco sauce.

Pour in the remaining beef broth, ensuring the meatballs are covered.

Stir gently to avoid disturbing the meatballs too much and bring to a low boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes to cook the potatoes and bell peppers until tender.

After 30 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Continue cooking with the lid on until the potatoes are tender, then remove the lid to thicken the stew as desired.

After about an hour to an hour and a half, check the consistency and serve over rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens